MoWest, St. Joseph Catholic Academy offer direct admission to LeBlond graduates

Oct. 28, 2025-Missouri Western State University and St. Joseph Catholic Academy will offer direct admission to MoWest for Bishop LeBlond graduates, starting with the Class of 2026.

"At MoWest, we are all about opening doors, and we're proud to partner with St. Joseph Catholic Academy to provide an easy pathway for LeBlond students to continue their education," said Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, MoWest's president. "We want them to know that their hometown offers an affordable, high quality college experience."

"This partnership reflects our shared belief in the power of education to transform lives," said Natalie Newville, president of St. Joseph Catholic Academy. "By creating a direct pathway from Bishop LeBlond to Missouri Western, we are giving our graduates every opportunity to continue growing in knowledge, faith, and service."

Direct admission guarantees admission to LeBlond graduates who meet minimum academic criteria. Students just have to opt in to the program, complete a shortened application, and they will receive their direct admission letter.

"We are thrilled that our students will have such a seamless opportunity to pursue higher education," said Kimberly Huss, principal of Bishop LeBlond High School. "This agreement recognizes the hard work of our graduates and reinforces that their journey of learning and leadership doesn't end at graduation, and that they can continue to grow right here at home."

"This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to expanding access to higher education and supporting students as they take their next steps beyond high school," said Dr. Andy Otto, vice president of enrollment management and marketing. "By simplifying the path to college admission, we are ensuring that every Bishop LeBlond student has a clear and attainable opportunity to pursue a university education right here in our community"

Interested LeBlond seniors can opt in to MoWest Direct Admission at griff.vn/DirectSJCA.

The partnership with St. Joseph Catholic Academy is the second direct admission agreement MoWest has signed this year. In August, a similar partnership with the St. Joseph School District was announced, for graduates of Benton, Central and Lafayette High Schools.

About MoWest

Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.

About St. Joseph Catholic Academy

St. Joseph Catholic Academy (SJCA) serves students from early childhood through high school across five campuses: St. Gianna Early Childhood Center, Cathedral Elementary, St. Francis Xavier Elementary, St. James Elementary, and Bishop LeBlond High School. Guided by dedicated and certified educators, SJCA offers a rigorous academic program within a supportive, faith-filled environment that fosters both intellectual and spiritual growth.